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7
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, &c.
The only proposal of this character made to Parliament during
the last Session, which had any direct relation to this Parish, was
one by The London and North-Western Railway Company for
permission to carry on a level across Worship Street, Primrose
Street and Skinner street lines of railway for the purpose of
passing trucks, laden and unladen with heavy goods, from
some of their goods yards to others, in connection with
hydraulic lifts to or from their high level railway. It was thought
both by the Metropolitan Board and the Vestry that this would be
a dangerous innovation, especially in the crowded streets near the
city, and more particularly so as the Vestry and the Metropolitan
Board were engaged in the formation of the new street from
Worship Street to Sun Street, and intended to open up Primrose
Street and Skinner Street; and it was determined by both
authorities to oppose the same in Parliament. The result of the
opposition in the House of Commons was to throw out entirely the
scheme relating to Worship Street, and to place the crossings in
the other streets under regulations:— One set of rails only
to be allowed; no engine to pass; only one waggon and
one horse at a time; signal-man at all times to warn; ordinary
vehicles to have precedence, and works to be done and kept
to approval of authorities.—It was thought, however, that even with
these precautions the scheme ought not to be allowed, as it Wag
believed that it might be entirely avoided by the Company by the
use of extra lifts and sidings. The local authorities were so
advised, and it was resolved to oppose these modified plans
altogether in the House of Lords, and in this opposition the
Corporation of the City of London joined the Metropolitan Board
and the Vestry. Evidence of able and practical men was secured,
supported by the most eminent counsel, in opposition to the
Company. I have simply to report that these efforts were unsuccessful,
and that the Company has now statutory powers to cross
the two streets, and under the conditions above-mentioned.
The Tramways Extensions for which powers were obtained in
Session of 1877, havo not yet been commenced, but I learn that
they will bo proceeded with very shortly.